WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- Republican congressional candidate Elise Stefanik says she is pleased by the backing of state Conservative Party leaders.

The state Conservative Party executive committee endorsed Stefanik on Friday in the race for New York's 21st congressional district in northern New York. That clears the way for Stefanik to be on the Conservative line in the November election.

Stefanik and businessman Matt Doheny are seeking the Republican line.

Stefanik says she will reach out to registered Conservatives and party leaders around the district.

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep Bill Owens announced this year that he would not run for re-election.